ORLANDO, Fla. – (CLARKSVILLENOW) Austin Peay State University women’s basketball team concluded its stay in Orlando with a 61-43 loss to UCF, Sunday, at the UCF Thanksgiving Classic. The Governors finished the invitational 0-2, dropping their overall record to 4-3 this season.
APSU struggled offensively in the opening period, shooting 11 percent as a jumper by junior guard Bri Williams at the first quarter was the only points for Austin Peay. The Govs managed 14 points in the next stanza, with 12 of APSU’s 16 first-half points scored by guards.
The highlight for the Governors was the play off the bench by freshman guard Nieja Crawford. Crawford provided a much-needed spark, driving to the basket with aggression to finish with a team-high 13 points. Senior center Tearra Banks quietly posted a double-double as well, scoring 10 points added with 10 rebounds.
The Knights led the entire way, but APSU never backed down, pulling to within 10 at the 6:26 mark of the third quarter. But the early deficit was too much to overcome as Austin Peay was dealt its second-straight loss.
Austin Peay returns to its home court 5:15 p.m., Wednesday, for a matchup against East Tennessee in the Dunn Center.